Does paintless dent repair work on PPF and vinyl wrapped cars?
Yes, paintless dent repair is a great option for dented cars that have a protective film on the body panels. Wrapping cars with a flexible membrane has become popular recently. There are two main types of film coverings, PPF and vinyl. PPF which stands for paint protection film is clear and can be applied to all exterior body panels seamlessly. Vinyl wraps are similar but come in various colors and patterns. The choices are limitless when it comes to wrapping and changing the look of your car. Wrapping cars enhances the look of your vehicle while offering a layer of protection against scratches and environmental factors. Wrapped panels are not dent proof though. Don’t worry, if your wrapped car gets dented or dinged, Dent Hero can help.
We have removed dents from several vehicles that are wrapped with PPF or vinyl. A wrapped panel does make for a more challenging repair. However, highly skilled PDR techs are able to complete paintless dent repairs without removing the protective film. If we are able to gain access to the interior side of the metal panel, Dent Hero can sculpt and reshape dented body panels without affecting the original paint or vinyl wrap, . Dent Hero slowly and methodically pushes dents out from the inside. We also tap on the outside of the panel with special jeweler type hammers. The PPF or vinyl wrap will absorb the hammer strikes and maintain its appearance and strength.
If we are not able to gain access to the back side of the metal panel, Dent Hero can use a secondary method called “glue pulling.” This technique involves placing hot glue and tabs on the outside of the panel where the dent is. We then pull the dent from the outside with a lifting device. Glue pulling might not work on wrapped panels. It can pull the film off or not gain enough adhesion to pull the dent out of the panel. In this case the only way to fix a dent on a non accessible body panel with PDR, is to remove the film before glue pulling the dent out. A new film can then be installed to that particular body panel by an expert film installer, at a much more reasonable price than if the panel had to be repainted at a body shop.
PPF, vinyl wraps, and PDR all help retain the OEM paint finish on your car. Films offer protection, while paintless dent repair allows dented panels to be fixed without sanding, body filler, or repainting of the panel.